Avoid Giant Hogweed- Severe Skin Reactions

Giant Hogweed (photo from the King County, Washington, web site)

from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference reports a stand of Giant Hogweed along Spencer Hill Road, near Hornell, New York, on map M10.

Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, is similar to the very large Cow Parsnip, but is even larger. The sap of the plant causes severe skin burns. It can grow to 15 feet, with leaves spanning 2-5 feet. The thick stem has mottled purple areas. The stem, leaf and flower stalks are hairy. It has small white flowers in big clusters, looking like Queen Anne's Lace. Originally brought from Asia as an ornamental, it has escaped into many natural areas.

Steve Catherman, of the Steuben County DPW reports: "We are currently dealing with Giant Hogweed issues around our roads, trails, and bridges. In fact, a consultant bridge inspector came into contact with it while inspecting one of our bridges and had to be hospitalized with severe 'burns' that may [leaves scars which can] be permanent."

If you see this plant, do not attempt to remove it. Contact a plant professional! Cutting, mowing, or injuring the plant in any way will release the sap. Sap on skin, when exposed to sunlight results in the blistered burns which can be extremely serious.

If contact is made, wash immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

See New York State Health Department information about Giant Hogweed

See King County, Washington information about Giant Hogweed

Doug Seaney's Baraga to McCormick Hike

young moose (photo by Doug Seaney)

contributed by Doug Seaney

May 20
Cliff and Lorana Jinkerson of Marquette took me to spot my car at McCormick Wilderness (west edge). Then on to drop me at FH 16 about 80 miles to the west. By the time eating talking and driving is done I hit the trail at about 1pm ... some big hills to the Sturgeon river.

Set up camp just west of Baraga / Houghton county line. Had about 7 ticks on me at different times during the day, but only 2 had attached. It was very hot to day about 85! Covered 13.5 miles today.

May 21
Up at 6am but still dark at 6:30 couldn't see the blazes so stayed in tent for a while, started out at 7:30. Very overcast today and lots cooler (55-60) than yesterday. Now comes the rain, just a light drizzle but very steady. After about 10 miles or so I came to Oren Krumm shelter, a very cool 3-sided shelter with screen on the 4th side. Nice to be inside, not any warmer but at least inside out of the rain. Cooked a hot lunch to take the chill off. Wrung the water out of my socks and poured it out of my boots!

Camped in a big field (Baraga Plains?). Stopped at about 5:30 covered 22 miles today. Sun came out in time to set, black files are getting active. Got very cold during the night, around 35 degrees.

May 22
Continued across Baraga Plains, most has been clear cut, but loggers left the trunks of the trees that had the blazes so not too hard to follow. Trail runs just south of plains road aka prison camp road. The road shows a big curve on the map, about where the curve is the trail ends. Tried to follow the survey tape for proposed trail but it is a major bushwhack.

Road walk on old US 41 - it must be very OLD 41 as it has turned back to gravel and dirt. It would be impassable for all but a high clearance 4x4. At one spot the beavers had a dam across the entire road. About 19.5 miles for the day, and the black files are now out in force.

May 23
Stopped at a remote campsite on Craig Lake for lunch. My alcohol stove wouldn't work in the high winds so cooked my lunch in the outhouse to get out of the wind. Heard a loon while I was eating my lunch. Craig lake is one of the most remote state parks I've ever seen, road to get in is 3 miles of rocky treacherous road and ruts, doubt a car could make it. Then once you are in the park you must hike to the campsites. I camped on the N edge of the park in an established campsite so had a fire in the fire ring tonight. Tried to smoke out the black flies but didn't work too well. 18.5 miles today.

May 24
All trail now no road walks yeah! Very remote area, trail leaves the park and crosses private land. Trail intersects with a 2 track and there is a rusted out shell of an old truck. Continued east to the N side of Lake Arfelin, then Peshekee River. Got to my car in the lot at the W edge of McCormick wilderness at 11am. Took my boots and socks off and dunked my head in the river!

See Doug's complete trip report on greatlakeshikes Yahoo group

America's Great Trails Act Needs Support

from the American Hiking Society

American Hiking Society urges you to TAKE ACTION to contact your Representative and encourage them to support HR 1912, the Complete America's Great Trails Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Lummis (R-WY) designed to protect some of the most special trails in America.

America's longest and most protected trails, iconic footpaths like the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and brand-new Arizona National Scenic Trail, all cross private lands. Many landholders graciously allow hikers to cross their lands - but each acre of private land represents a potential break in the continuity of these great trails.

The Complete America's Great Trails Act is a bill that provides a tax credit to private landowners who grant conservation easements to National Scenic Trails. This means that private landowners have a new incentive to allow hikers to pass through their property, and trails get a guaranteed corridor that protects the connectivity and continuity of the hiking experience for years to come!

This tax credit is an important tool that provides a fiscally responsible incentive for private landowners to allow access for hikers. During these challenging financial times, it is important to consider that HR 1912 requires no direct spending from the federal government, provides a significant tax break to hard-working landowners, and helps ensure that America continues to benefit from our incredible trail resources.

Follow the link below to customize a brief e-mail, and click to send it to your Representative

See American Hiking Society

Lost & Found to Join Mother Goose

Nikii Murtaugh (photo from her journal)

from Lost and Found

Life is an adventure on two feet.
Who is Lost and Found who hikes?

So goes the signature of Nikii Murtaugh, who introduced herself to us as "Lost and Found" just today. Nikii is a special education teacher from the state of Oregon, who like many had planned to retire next year, but may postpone that option.

She met Mother Goose (Bonita Curtner) in 2003 when she was hiking the Oregon section of the PCT and Lost and Found was riding her bicycle across Oregon. Nikii introduced Bonita to bicycling and Bonita introduced Nikii to hiking. They hiked the Colorado Trail in 2006 and Oregon section of the PCT last year. They had planned to do the Lewis & Clark Bike Ride in 2004, but family obligations prevented Lost and Found from participating; Mother Goose, however, rode the route. Lost and Found met her toward the end and rode with her at the beach.

Now, Lost and Found plans to leave June 27 for Ely. "Yikes", she says, "I haven't been training. She said these would be short days, but judging from the itinerary, not easy. So, will be hauling out the backpack and hitting the road - literally."

Welcome to the NCT, Nikii!

See Lost and Found's journal

T-Man Does the Kek

Tman (photo by Todd McMahon)

submitted by Tman (Todd McMahon)

I started out from Ely, Minnesota on Friday May 22 and hiked all of the Kekekabic Trail, and parts of the Border Route and Superior Hiking Trail. Some of the spectacular scenery I experienced included Agamok Falls, Magnetic Rock, Bridal Falls, Stairway Falls, the Rose Cliffs, Cascade State Park and Lookout Mountain.

This was my first extended solo backpacking trip, so I made a few mistakes like underestimating how cold it would be. But overall it was a wonderful trip which I backpacked over 100 miles. The hike ended on June 2 in Lutsen.

War Club Lake on the Kek (photo by Todd McMahon)

The reason I was out backpacking was that in March I was Laid Off of work for up to six months. I figured I'd take the opportunity to go on a backpacking trip I've always dreamed of.

I may go back and finish the part of the Border Route I missed. The reason I bugged out at Clearwater Lake was my ankle was feeling a little sprainy after I fell when crossing a downed tree. I didn't want to risk trying the Clearwater Lake to Hovland section which is about 45 miles with no way to get out. I know there is a small campground at the Arrowhead Trail on McFarland Lake, but there is no guarantee that anybody will be over there.

Redeemed myself by backpacking from Grand Marais to Lutsen on the Superior Hiking Trail. If I get in trouble there, all I have to do is hike east and I will hit Highway 61. But my ankle recovered and all went well.

NOW THE BIG NEWS, the Border Route is featured in the latest edition of Backpacker Magazine in the best places for solitude article.

That's all for now, Todd McMahon AKA Tman

See all of Tman's pictures
See Hiking the Minnesota Arrowhead

Mother Goose Treated to Pizza in Frazee

"Mother Goose"

based on a news article in the Frazee Forum, "Frazee mayor delivers pizza to 'Mother Goose' ", by Barbie Porter, used with permission

Bonita Curtner, "Mother Goose," was welcomed to the Vergas-Frazee section of Minnesota on the NCT at every opportunity. Spirit Lake allowed her to camp, and then she was treated to coffee and cookies in the morning.

At the Loon's Nest cafe in Vergas, she was treated to breakfast by Gail, whom she had just met.

The Vergas loon and the Frazee turkey, roadside art of significant proportions welcomed her as she passed by. When she reached Frazee, the mayor, Hank Ludtke, added an audible welcome.

"This royal treatment might go to my head," Mother Goose joked.

The mayor was not about to be outdone by Vergas hospitality or plastic animals. He drove Curtner to the outskirts of town for a night's stay at Morningside Motel, and then hustled away to retrieve one more gift.

"He delivered a pizza for me," she said. "The mayor of the town went out of his way to bring me to my motel, and then delivers a pizza! Then the people at the motel offer to do my laundry. Then I go out to breakfast and the restaurant buys it for me. I have never been treated this well on any other trail that I've walked."

See Mother Goose's journal

Hammock Group Checks Out the Cheq

Porcupine Lake (photo by Kurt Papke)

trip report from Kurt Papke

On June 11-14, 2009 13 members of HammockForums gathered for 4 days of hiking, feasting, gear chat, and general revelry on the Chequamegon section of the North Country Trail.

We met on Thursday at the TH near Porcupine Lake. I hiked a little 5 mile out-and-back westbound on the trail, as I was there earlier than most and wanted to explore some of the trail that we were not going to hike as a group.

Night one we camped up on the knoll above the north end of Porcupine lake. This perhaps the most spectacular backcountry campsite I've ever been to. Its in a beautiful pine forest, great breeze, and the views of the lake are phenomenal. Best of all there were plenty of trees for an armada of hammock campers to hang from. We spent the evening getting to know each other, comparing hammock setups, and feasting on BBQ, fresh fruit compote, fresh fish we cooked in the fire, etc.

On Friday we did a pretty good hike, almost 13 miles, to the Marengo River site. The area around the shelter looked a little congested, so we set up camp in the site down by the river bridge. After everyone was set up, we all had our first night's dinner of dehydrated backpacking meals, then sat around the campfire talking until sundown.

Saturday was a more relaxed hike, about 10 miles with an earlier start time. We enjoyed the Swedish settlement, the radio tower, and the many nice overlooks on this section.

Just as we were rolling into camp mid-afternoon at Lake Three, our only rainfall began to drop from the sky with menacing thunder. Tarps were quickly set up over picnic tables, and we spent the rest of the evening eating, talking and imbibing a few brewskies that a group procured during their search for pizza.

Sunday morning was a set of sad farewells, as newly-made friends had to return to their respective "real lives".

This is a fabulous section of trail. The overlooks and vistas are beautiful, and there's lots of variety in the terrain with beaver dams, rivers and lakes. We were VERY lucky with bugs. We expected to be crawling with ticks, but only a few got picked off, and the mosquitoes and flies were not bad at all. I didn't even use repellent.

Shug made two videos from the footage from last weekend's backpacking trip through northern WI NCT. This one is funnier IMHO, I especially liked Stormcrow eating the slug.

Treasures North of THE Bridge

baby swan (photo by JHY)

by JHY

I just completed another 45 miles of trail (total now 3702), from St. Ignace to Trout Brook Pond, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. St. Ignace is working hard to become a trail town, and their boardwalk which follows Lake Huron (only Huron shore on the NCT) through town is a real treat. This cygnet, with siblings was learning to dabble for its dinner.

Mackinac Bridge towers from the NCT (photo by JHY)

Here's a view of the bridge you won't see from anywhere except on the NCT. At a strategic high point of land, a bench dedicated to the memory of Eric Cox (son of Duane and Joan Cox- frequent conference attendees) has been placed. After you climb to reach it, you are likely to sit down to rest. You will discover that you find yourself facing, over the tops of the trees, the familiar towers. Remember that they are about a mile apart!

yellow lady slipper (photo by JHY)

There were plenty of pink lady slipper blooming too, but somehow it seems like there are more of them. I found yellow ones blooming right along the rail trail out of town, and later near East Lake as well.

Maple Hill (photo by JHY)

And finally, here's a treat I almost hate to share! Why? Because I love delightful surprises in the woods. And I did NOT know this was coming. Of course I could see on the map that there is a funky little mound called Maple Hill between Forest Roads 3114 and 3323 northeast of East Lake. So when a few rocks started to sprout from the ground on my left and form a small ridge I knew I'd arrived at the southern edge of Maple Hill. The ridge grew and was covered with dirt and trees... ordinary, just higher than where I was. Then the trail took a swing upwards and... WOW. The rocks just leaped from the earth and grew into a massive wall of columns and blocks! Moss and ferns in some of the cracks, but mostly just bare rock faces. What a surprise in the middle of a day of mostly level terrain! But now you won't be surprised.

Thanks to the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter for keeping this section in good repair, and to Stan and Kay Kujawa for helping me spot a car.

P.S. The mosquitoes were brutal!

Eberhard is halfway through 4,600-mile north country trek

Read Eberhard is halfway through 4,600-mile north country trek at M-Live

Me? I'm out the door again! Catch my program this afternoon in St. Ignace at the Village Inn Restaurant at the base of the hill next door to other Shell station for lunch at 11;30 AM to 12:30 AM. Enjoy "High Hopes Wearing Sweaty Socks" presentation at 1:00 PM, followed by a hike on the North Country trail at 3:00 PM
BContact Kay or Stan at kay1940@lighthouse.net or 989-350-2826

See you Thursday!

Sure I Can Paint Blazes, Just Give Me a Hammer!

by JHY

If you need a good painted blaze, just get a bigger hammer! Um...

Walking my trail section yesterday, I had to shake my head at this. Yes, I did it. Why? Actually the answer is simple. We replaced nail-up blazes on our section with painted ones. So there was a nail-up blaze here that I removed. But it was a good place for a new blaze, so I painted one in the same place.

But it does look a little strange!

See How To Paint Blazes for some help on the right way to mark the North Country Trail.

See you in a few days. I'm going hiking again.